April 23rd 2023
Team: Phoebe, Sienna M., Sienna W., Emilia, Izzy, Ava, Emy-Mae, Esme, Alexis
Sponsor: Lightning Tools and Life Investments Estate Agents
Match Report:
On Sunday the 23rd of May, Rugby Town U9s faced Epworth Forest Panthers U9s away from home. It was apparent during the walk from the car park that the girls would be on a heavy grass pitch after the early morning rain. Rugby started out of the blocks with great pace and energy causing the Epworth defence many problems with numerous runs down the wing. Rugby was maintaining possession with all the girls covering lots of space, whilst also making positive forward runs. Counterattacks were managed by our strong defensive and goalkeeper.
The coaching team rotated the squad to test all players in different positions, in preparation for next season and 7 aside matches. This played out just like the first half with Rugby holding a large percentage of possession but struggling to make a clear pass to split the strong Epworth defensive line. Whenever we faced a counter attack, however, the defensive players always delivered with a real calm maturity and control on the ball.
The second half dynamic changed and the Rugby girls seemed to tire slightly, with Epworth using this to constantly press the visitors and giving our girls a real challenge. Yet, the girls were bravely fighting hard while trying new positions and a different formation tactics that the coaches were testing.
In the last period Rugby bounced back with renewed energy and confidence and pushed forward numerous times looking likely to play as strong as they started, but the Epworth defence and keeper held strong against our threat of attack. Nonetheless, the girls can be proud of the amount of possession they held for the majority of the game.
In summary: It was clear that this game acted as a great learning curve and catalyst for the team as we look forward to next season. The whole team worked incredibly hard, whilst demonstrating a great team ethic. They all kept going until the final whistle and were all equally shattered when the game came to an end!
POM: Emy-Mae, for her effort and strength in defence, marking and tackling, and absolute hustle to clear the ball out of danger.
PPOM: Sienna. W, excellent forward runs and skill levels showing real control and composure.